One of the questions I get asked most as a beauty editor has to be ‘where can I get a decent facial that won’t flare up my skin?’. While I can’t comment confidently for outside the M25, London is my stomping ground after all, I have been lucky enough to sample some of the finest facials this fair city has to offer − from understated back rooms in therapists’ houses, to the full on finery of our capital’s most decadent spa hotels. I know, and they call this a job!

Of all these treatments, one thing I keep coming back to is the importance of the products used. It’s no secret I’m a sucker for anything organic, naturally-derived or biodynamic, but often finding a facial to fit this brief can be a challenge. Or so I thought until recently when a combination of becoming pregnant, and sheer luck caused me to stumble upon a new wave of supernatural facials that are a) ultra kind to skin and b) don’t use ingredients you can’t pronounce.

If you don’t already know this brand, but demand your skincare is clean and green, you really need to check these guys out − the range is wonderful, especially the Gentle Scrub made with French pink clay, plus all ingredients are certified organic with a maximum of seven per product. Therapist Vanessa Gruninger has worked closely with the brand to hone the perfect facial experience with just the right amount of exfoliation and manual manipulation, without ever feeling like your face is under attack. It was so relaxing I fell asleep within the first 10 minutes, but every now and then I came to and glimpsed the trees through the skylight of the warm, wood-clad treatment room. Afterwards my skin had a genuine tingling glow and felt ultra smooth, though a few considerable blemishes did surface within a few days which I saw as a positive, purging side effect of the treatment.

My second recommendation is for new niche natural brand anannèwho offer a Signature Facial, £45 for 45 minutes (booking fee redeemable against products purchased), on selected days via their counter in Fenwick, Bond Street – next available dates are Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th July btw. The facial itself is a luxurious blend of traditional massage and ananné’s high-end organic skincare range which is made with the purest natural ingredients of plant or mineral origin to nourish, heal and help renew compromised skin. To book, call the counter on 0207 629 9161 ext. 276.

Last but not least, I want to share a little love for Bamford who are always at the top of my recommended facials list – just the thought of entering their beautiful satellite Haybarn treatment space in Fortnum’s is enough to induce a radiant glow if you ask me. Yes, the Bamford Bespoke Facial is the most pricey at £85 for 60 minutes, but then really that’s not obscene for a fancy central London treatment experience – experience being the key word in this case. The treatment begins as your therapist burns a stick of aromatic Palo Santo holy wood (posh incense) to welcome you into the space. The next hour is spent being gently pummelled with hold and cold jade stones – to boost lymphatic drainage – and receiving a deft dose of facial reflexology mixed with dynamic lifting movements, not to mention the side order of yogic breathing. As you might expect, the Bamford skincare line is heavenly and actually, exceptionally effective, which should silent all the natural sceptics among you…

About the Author

Bella Binns is a freelance beauty editor. In 13 years writing for magazines and brands, she’s sampled more massages (and worn more paper knickers) than you can imagine. It’s a tough gig… ‘Clean’ beauty, eastern wellness rituals and cropped coifs make her tick, she’s also a qualified yoga instructor.